Holding National Sports Governing Bodies Accountable for Women’s Safety and Fairness

Holding National Sports Governing Bodies Accountable for Women’s Safety and Fairness

Over a year ago, I expressed concerns regarding national governing bodies like USA Volleyball and USA Fencing operating without necessary accountability in a piece for Fox News. Recently, these organizations have openly acknowledged their unwillingness to comply with female safety and opportunity standards unless mandated by oversight authorities. Female athletes, including myself, have faced grave consequences due to the lack of oversight from national governing bodies. It is time for Congress and the White House to take action.

Recent Developments in USA Fencing

This month, USA Fencing announced a revised policy on transgender and non-binary athlete eligibility. The policy, however, comes with a troubling caveat: it will only be enforced if required by oversight bodies. This follows a concerning incident where female fencer Stephanie Turner had to withdraw from a competition after being forced to confront a male opponent, resulting in her disqualification. Such events highlight the detrimental consequences of policies that prioritize inclusivity over female safety.

The Illusion of Inclusivity

The so-called inclusive policies of these organizations have become increasingly questionable. In the case of USA Fencing, their approach has morphed into a form of discriminatory exclusion that undermines the very principles of fair competition.

The Personal Impact of Policy Decisions

Turner’s experience is not an isolated incident. Investigations reveal that several individuals identifying as women in USA Fencing competitions may actually be biological males. Alarmingly, some of these individuals occupy leadership roles within the organization, which further clouds the integrity of competition.

Congressional Oversight and Responsibility

Congress certifies national governing bodies through the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee under the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act. This association grants oversight responsibilities primarily to the USOPC, enabling these organizations to maintain substantial regulatory autonomy.

This autonomy, however, encompasses more than mere procedural rules; it shapes policies surrounding eligibility criteria, impacts university regulations, dictates national representation in Olympic sports, and much more.

The Confluence of Politics and Sports

In today’s highly politicized environment, the sport’s landscape has shifted dramatically. From prioritizing diversity and inclusion to covering USA jerseys in symbols of pride, the organizational focus has moved away from integrity in competition towards a narrative that often sidesteps crucial issues of fairness.

The passive stance taken by the USOPC has allowed national governing bodies to operate with minimal accountability. This lack of scrutiny has, in turn, paved the way for discrimination, which has risen to the forefront of national discussions.

Senatorial Actions on Women’s Sports

Recently, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas articulated concerns regarding the practices of USA Fencing. He has called for adherence to USOPC regulations and clarified the necessity for these bodies to uphold their commitment to protect women in sports. His letter emphasized the need for compliance with President Trump’s Executive Order focused on safeguarding women’s sports from unfair practices.

The Essential Role of Fairness and Safety

While national governing bodies already bear a responsibility to ensure fairness and safety, the Executive Order has added another layer to the conversation, mandating changes at the international level. It outlines that participation in women’s sports should strictly be determined by biological sex, not gender identity.

Senator Cruz’s letter underscored the need for clarity on current compliance, especially regarding the number of male athletes competing in women’s categories. His pointed questions aimed to bring transparency to an increasingly troubling scenario.

Calls for Accountability from the House of Representatives

The House of Representatives has also stepped into this contentious debate. The DOGE subcommittee recently invited both Stephanie Turner and USA Fencing Board Chair Damien Lehfeldt to testify about their policies. When Lehfeldt initially declined, the Committee issued a subpoena to ensure his appearance. Chairwoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that if USA Fencing continued to defy the law, it should no longer be recognized as the governing body for fencing.

Facing Increased Scrutiny

As scrutiny intensifies, USA Fencing finds itself in a challenging position. During the recent hearing, Lehfeldt mentioned his willingness to adapt if necessary changes were made. However, this raises a crucial question: Why should the federal government need to intervene to protect female athletes? What has prevented the USOPC from championing the cause of fairness?

The Need for Stronger Enforcement

The absence of accountability from both elected representatives and the organizations themselves has allowed national governing bodies to pursue policies detrimental to women’s rights. Moving forward, Congress and the White House must strengthen enforcement mechanisms through the USOPC and reinforce the notion that opportunities in sports should not be compromised by politically motivated agendas.

Ensuring Opportunity and Fairness in Sports

As the dialogue concerning fairness in women’s sports continues, it is vital to push back against politically charged discrimination. The commitment to fairness and safety should not merely be a catchphrase; it must be the foundation on which sports organizations rebuild and rethink their policies.